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Considering Discus...

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Hey all!

Discus never really entered my mind as a possibility for mine and my father's 55 gallon tank, but for some reason I just thought about it, but I'm not sure if it's even possible.

I've read in some places that they're a schooling fish, and in other places that they're not. Would a 55 even be big enough for a group of 5 or 6 of them? Also, would I still be able to keep them with an angel, a bn pleco and a school of 15-20 characins?

I don't know much a bout Discus yet except that they are sensitive and require pristine water conditions (which I'm pretty confident I can maintain since I do at home.) I'm going to research them now--but I want expert opinions!

Thoughts? I haven't suggested it to dad so if this idea gets totally shot down no big deal.

I threw it up on aqadvisor to get an idea of what it would say. I didn't get any overstock error. It says with that stocking I'd be at 120% with plenty of filtration which is why I thought it was a possibility. I'm trying to find how big they get cause I don't want to cramp them, but I can't find a solid number. I keep seeing estimations for some reason.

If it's not do-able, like I said, I'll scrap the idea... but I want to toy with the idea. I'm thinking about coming up with 3 different stocking lists for this tank before we sit down and make a final decision.

Maybe I even drop the much-desired angelfish in exchange for the discus, if my dad likes them enough.

Considering discus are so sensitive to water conditions (from my understanding they don't tolerate nitrates well at all), why would you want to put other fish in there that would only make it more challenging for you to maintain good water parameters? Especially a BNpleco - plecos are known as "poop machines". Plus, it's my understanding that discus require a higher tempsthan other FW will tolerate - these are all things to consider.

This is because they require such different water parameters that are only unique and enjoyed by them.

Additionally, since discus are 1: expensive, 2: sensitive, that other species of fish could bring in diseases/issues because of their weaker nature and then it'll spread quickly to your sensitive discus. Losing a fish isn't fun, but losing a spectacular discus that cost's 50+bucks hurts more than the heart. lol

so with that in mind. you could run other fish in the tank.
Issues w/ characins and discus is that pending which type, discus can and will eat anything that fits into their mouth. so that would become food for them as they get bigger.

I personally would not attempt the angel + discus combo.
both can get aggressive towards one another and that would get ugly quick.

If you had an empty 55, I would run 5/6 discuss and the bn pleco at max. but do keep in mind their water parameters/requirements.

Been keeping discus a while now. Discus only tanks, though that's mainly because I raise the fry. Water quality is important for many fish, more so for discus I think. I keep up with the water quality since I want them in good breeding condition. With discus fry I do water changes daily, with an adult discus only I may do water changes every few days instead. Discus do better kept in groups. If you do decide to keep other fish in the tank with them, I would quarantine all the fish beforehand so nothing bad gets introduced to the tank. Small fish in the tank may help the discus become more comfortable, but at the same time they may get eaten. If you keep up with the water changes maybe 5-6 discus. I would start off with a some younger discus, to let them grow into the tank.

Okay, I didn't think about the fact that most people do discus-only tanks since I read that they do better with smaller schooling fish in their tank. Maybe I'll nix the idea of it if everyone seems to agree it's a bad idea. Glad I asked :)

Always good to ask and learn; in general, only a 75 gal is the smallest tank since no one should try a school less than six. The 10 gal rule for discus does not include subtrate, wood or plants so if that stuff will be used, a 75 really is the min tank size. Water changes (near 100%) are daily for breeding and fry. Nitrates as close to zero is essential as are phosphates which should also be near zero.

They do fine with Sterba' Corries since these fish tolerate the 84 - 86 F range discus prefer.

Last edited by Cermet; 11-28-2012 at 11:49 PM.

Knowledge is fun(damental)

A 75 gal with eight Discus, fake plants, and a lot of wood also with sand substrate. Clean up crew is down to just two Sterba's Corys. Filters: continuous new water flow; canister w/UV, in-tank algae scrubber!! Finally, junked the nitrate removal unit from hell.